Use Cucumber Peels to Get Rid of Mites

At a glance, a houseplant might appear parched with browning leaves. The leaves can start to yellow, wilt and drop off. Take a closer look at the plant—hold it up to the light and turn leaves over and look underneath and along stems. If you observe any wispy webbing and what appear to be tiny moving dots moving around the plant, it has mites.

Cucumbers can help to repel mites due to their cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins are bitter-tasting compounds that deter insects.

You can directly place cucumber peels in the soil of the plant to keep insects away.

Tiny mites also prefer a dry environment. The best way to keep them off your plants is to create a more humid atmosphere for your plants. Misting them regularly can help. Use a cucumber water spray to keep mites out of your houseplants!

Make Cucumber Water for Plants

Mites do not like moisture. Keeping your plants hydrated with regular sprays of cucumber water will keep mites from moving in and damaging your plants. The compounds of the cucumber work to naturally repel mites, too. This TikTok from @creative_explained has a recipe for cucumber water that’s easy to make and can help keep your plants looking and feeling their best.

@creative_explained Cucumbers can be used for so many things! 🤩🥒 #cucumbers #lifehacks #plantsoftiktok #planttips #recycle #howto #diy ♬ original sound – Armen Adamjan

Save the peels from any variety of cucumber. Place the scraps in a clean glass jar, fill with water and cover with a lid. Let the peels soak for five days. Then strain the water and compost the peels. Fill a clean spray bottle with the cucumber water.

Use the cucumber water to mist your plants to keep mites from taking hold. Use a stronger spray to blast off any mites crawling on the leaves or stems of the plant. Be sure and spray the underside of leaves where mites hide.

This homemade cucumber spray is also rich in potassium and phosphorus which helps to promote healthy plant growth!

The post 2 Things to Do with Cucumber Peels for Healthy Plants appeared first on Taste Recipes.

If you decorate for the holidays with poinsettias, one of the most popular Christmas flowers and plants, here’s how to keep the plant blooming all season long.

How to Care for Poinsettias

It’s common for poinsettias to become droopy and drop the bright-colored leaves before the new year rolls around. But keeping the plant blooming throughout the holiday season doesn’t need to be a chore. These tips can help keep your poinsettias looking good while the festivities happen.

Monitor the Temperature

Temperature is a consideration with poinsettia care. Sources of heat will affect the longevity of your poinsettia plant’s blooms. Consider the amount of heat in the room where you plan to decorate with poinsettias.

Avoid placing the plant too close to radiators that throw off a lot of heat and windows and doors which can have drafts of cold air. Protect the plants from dramatic drops in temperature since this will cause the leaves to prematurely wilt.

Keep poinsettias in an environment with temperatures between 65 and 75°F. A gentle mist sprayed daily will be appreciated by the plant.

Provide Plenty of Light

Poinsettias are from Central America where they are used to receiving generous amounts of sun. Your poinsettia will thrive when it gets sunshine from a well-lit window. East-facing windows will provide the morning sun and the afternoon’s shade. When placing the poinsettias near sunny windows, be sure to avoid any part of the plant coming in direct contact with a cold windowpane as this will cause the leaves to wilt.

Let Drain After Watering

Remove any decorative foil from the pot when it is time to water.

A poinsettia plant can be watered by placing it in the kitchen sink. Water below the leaves at the top of the soil line and allow the water to drain from the bottom of the pot. The pot can then be placed on a plate or tray to finish draining and before returning it to the foil decorative wrapping.

Never allow the pot to stand in water.

Poinsettias are susceptible to root rot if they do not get proper drainage. Root rot causes the lower leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

How Often to Water a Poinsettia

Follow the rule of watering the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. You can scratch the top layer to double-check for watering needs.

If your poinsettia appears to be over-watered, the soil will feel dense and wet. Cut back on watering until the soil has a chance to dry out. A poinsettia that has gotten too much water is harder to revive than one that is suffering from a lack of water. Root rot is a risk with a potted poinsettia that has gotten too much water.

How Long Do Poinsettias Last?

A healthy poinsettia plant should last four to six weeks. Many plants can last eight weeks or more with proper care.

Some home gardeners may enjoy the challenge of caring for a poinsettia long after the Christmas season and keep it as a houseplant with the goal of a second bloom the next holiday.

Find more expert decorating tips for the holiday season.

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How to Protect Hydrangeas in Winter

Many varieties of hydrangeas actively produce their flower buds during the growing season. The buds form in late summer and then remain intact through the winter season weather.

Weather-related issues like biting winds and subzero temperatures can harm these buds. The freeze-and-thaw cycles in winter can also bring permanent damage to the buds. If any of these elements cause harm to the buds that have “set,” it means that hydrangeas won’t bloom in spring and summer.

Winterizing Hydrangeas Outdoors

The goal is flower-bud protection. Start by gathering shredded leaves and forming a mound around the base of the plant. A covering of about 12 inches can be a sufficient amount of protection for what winter will bring. The base of the plant can also benefit from piling shredded pieces of bark or a combination of bark and leaves. The mulch mound can be created late in the fall season and stay in place until the temperatures in spring stay consistently above freezing in your area.

How to Care for a Potted Hydrangea in Winter

If you have the space in the garden, dig a hole and plant the pot in the ground. Be sure your plant is in an all-weather non-decorative container. Digging a hole and burying the pot will protect the roots from the cold and frozen ground.

You can also move potted hydrangeas to a sheltered location out of direct winds. Surround the base of the plant with straw, hay, mulch or other insulating materials.

Hydrangeas in pots can be relocated to the garage or basement. An unheated garage or basement can house a hydrangea for the winter season once the plant is in a dormant phase of rest. As an extra step of precaution, place the pot with other plants or objects to surround them to act as a form of added insulation. You may be tempted to move a potted hydrangea to a heated indoor space for winter, but this plant does not usually do well inside during the colder months.

Give the plants some water every few weeks when the soil looks dry.

Should I Cover My Hydrangeas in Winter?

When making garden preparations for winter, take into consideration what a typical cold weather season is like in your area.

Physical barriers like straw or mulch will help protect hydrangeas in the garden from temperature extremes. Any plants outside will be watered naturally from rainfall or snow. Plants that get moved into a garage or basement will need occasional hydration with water that you provide.

One last thing to be mindful of when taking care of hydrangeas in winter is the accumulation of snow. There is always the potential for significant amounts of snow to slide off a roof or any pitched features of the architecture around your home. Heavy drops of snow can break off branches where future buds are taking a winter rest.

You’re ready for hydrangea blooms to return in all their glory when the time comes!

The post How to Take Care of Your Hydrangeas in Winter (for Big Blooms Next Summer) appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Succulents are great as houseplants; however, it can be hard to figure out how often to water succulents. The answer is in the soil and the plant. Succulents are plants that naturally store their water supply and this trait can help monitor their needs and a schedule for watering. This means that plants like spiky cactuses, jade plants, snake plants, echeveria and aloe vera pull water into the leaves and utilize it until a water source is available again.

They naturally grow in areas where they receive a downpour of rain followed by stretches of warm sunshine. Many home gardeners are sometimes hesitant to allow a plant’s soil to become almost bone dry and this can lead to overwatering which is a top reason for a succulent not surviving. So, it’s important to know how to take care of succulents.

How often should you water succulents?

As a general guide for how often to water succulents, you should check the plant’s soil every two weeks. You don’t have to monitor your succulents on a strict schedule, but keep a time frame in mind for every other week to check for dry soil. At different times of the year, these needs can increase or decrease depending on conditions for both your indoor and outdoor plants.

Most importantly, keep in mind that succulents prefer a “soak and dry” method. This means the soil is thoroughly watered and then allowed to dry out completely before watering again. Check your succulent’s soil by touching the top layer of soil—a succulent in need of watering should feel completely dry.

Another way to tell if your succulent needs water is to look at the leaves. These plants naturally store water in the leaves which gives them a plump and firm appearance and feel. If the leaves are withered-looking and dull, the water supply has run out and needs to be replenished.

How do you water succulents?

It’s important to establish a succulent in a pot with proper drainage. These plants want a supply of water and then need to be left alone to naturally dry out before being watered again. A succulent will quickly become unhappy in an environment where it’s not allowed to dry out and keep water from lingering. Be sure there’s a large enough opening in the bottom of the pot to allow water to drain.

From the Top

Succulents can be watered from above with a bit of guidance. Use a watering can with a spout that allows you to direct the flow of water directly to the top surface of the soil. You’ll want to avoid splashing the leaves with excess water which can pool and stay on the leaves or get trapped in the folds of tightly packed rosettes. For an indoor plant, this spells trouble because water that stays on the leaves can cause rot. The watering can will be sure to direct the water supply away from the leaves. You can also use a squeeze bottle for top watering.

When it comes to succulents that are outside in the garden or in planters, you don’t have to worry as much about getting water on the leaves since there’s more airflow outside which will help the water dry out quicker.

From the Bottom

To water succulents from the bottom, you need a tray of water and your plant. Place the succulent in a shallow dish with several inches of water and give it about 10 to 15 minutes to drink up the water. This will also encourage the roots to reach down for the water to help stimulate growth.

This is also helpful If you find that the soil in the container has become tightly compacted. Compressed soil won’t absorb water well from above so a bottom-watering method will help.

Water Therapy

@passiononplants When your succulents are seriously short of water, you can try watering them this way #plants #plantoftiktok #planttok #plantlover #succulents #succulentlover #watersucculent #fyp ♬ Give It to Me Like – Official Sound Studio

A method of watering called “water therapy” is also a popular practice to water succulents. This process involves submerging the entire potted succulent plant in another container of water for a period of time, and is getting popular on TikTok, as seen in this video by @passiononplants.

The plant is placed in a container that is larger than the pot with the succulent. Water is then added to fill the container with the potted succulent inside to completely submerge the whole plant.

The plant will start to release tiny air bubbles that will rise to the surface of the water level and gather on the plant’s leaves. This should take about five minutes. Tap the plant leaves with a skewer to remove any bubbles still being released and remove the plant from the water.

Place the succulent in a well-ventilated area. You will notice a change in the appearance of the leaves as they transform from looking withered to plump as the water rehydrates the plant.

Water therapy is not a regular practice for watering. It can be used occasionally for plants that seem to need a little extra boost. It is also recommended for plants that are in severe need of water or sun damaged. Plants that have been neglected or suffered from a lack of sunlight after being in a shipping box for an extended amount of time can also benefit from water therapy.

How much should you water succulents?

Always test the dryness of the soil before giving succulents water and never water soil that is damp to the touch. If you are unsure of the amount of water, use lesser rather than more. You can always add more water later!

The condition of the soil and plant appearance will always be a reliable indication of how much to water succulents. Remember that succulents need a stretch of time between watering for thorough drying out of the soil. Follow the “soak and dry” cycle for continued healthy plant growth.

Looking to add new succulents to your collection? Don’t forget to pick up some of these great succulent pots.

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Wouldn’t it be great to grow strawberries in the garden or in a container on the patio? You could pick a few of the ruby red fruits whenever you want a strawberry fix. This is 100% possible. Here’s how to grow strawberries using the seeds from a fresh berry.

Already see something that looks like a wild strawberry plant growing on your lawn? It might be a mock strawberry.

How to Grow Strawberries from Seeds

TikTok user @joesgarden outlined an easy way to turn your stash of strawberries into even more delicious fruit. Take a close look at a strawberry and you’ll see tiny seeds on the outside of the fruit. These seeds are the potential strawberry plants waiting to grow for you.

@joesgarden #howto easily grow strawberries at home this summer ❤️😊🌱! #plants #planttok #didyouknow #learnontiktok #eco #diy #seeds #strawberry ♬ Up Beat (Married Life) – Kenyi

When you’re looking for strawberries to replant, buy fruit that’s plump and free from bruises and discoloration.

Slice the strawberries in half and leave them on a paper towel to dry. This allows the tiny seeds to become detached from the fruit and easily scraped away from the berry. They will be super tiny specks on the paper towel, but there’s a lot of growing potential there.

Put the tiny seeds in small pots mixed with compost. I recommend that you moisten the seeds and compost mixture with a spray bottle so you don’t flood the seeds out of their new growing environment with the flow from a watering can.

In a few weeks, you’ll see sprouts of new growth. When the new plants have grown in size and have multiple leaves, separate them. Then move the new plants to larger containers or plant them in the garden. You can even get creative by growing your strawberries in a laundry basket.

Before long, you’ll have fresh fruit for strawberry recipes!

Does This Method Really Work?

Yes! Dominique Charles, a garden consultant and founder of Plots and Plans, says she and her customers enjoy growing strawberries at home in plant beds and containers.

“I love the idea of people saving seeds from strawberries to grow new ones,” she says. “The process of gathering and drying those seeds is definitely a little tedious, but I think the reward is totally worth it.”

There are a few things to keep in mind when growing strawberries from store-bought berries, though.

Organic produce is a good choice, as you can be sure the plants are free from any unwanted chemical sprays. Try to buy strawberries that have been grown locally or purchase fruit that’s labeled as organic at the market.

Organic strawberries are highly perishable, so start this garden project after they’re purchased. Berries that are starting to spoil and are too mushy in texture won’t work as well, since the goal is to try and isolate the tiny seeds to dry out. Make sure you store your strawberries properly to keep them from going bad.

Give your strawberry plants a window of 6 to 8 hours of sunshine a day and see what happens. The strawberry plants you grow from the store-bought strawberries will produce fruits that are smaller in size than the original berries. If you have too many, freeze your strawberries so you can keep eating them all year round.

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These pests are invading this summer and causing alarm far and wide as they destroy neighborhood trees, gardens, farms and orchards nationwide. Not all products that keep bugs away will kill spotted lanternflies, so here’s how to tackle them effectively.

What Is a Spotted Lanternfly?

The spotted lanternfly first appeared in the United States in 2012. This invasive insect has patches of red and black with a white band and causes problems with plants and agriculture in states like Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland. It is spreading quickly in large numbers.

Why Are Spotted Lanternflies Bad?

The spotted lanternfly causes serious damage and makes outdoor recreation unpleasant. They give off a sap, which wilts and curls leaves, causing dieback in established trees, vines, crops and other types of plants. When these insects feed, they excrete a sugary substance, called honeydew, that leads to the growth of an unsightly black mold.

Smothering, squishing and stomping are being used to battle infestations, with varying degrees of success. I know one fellow gardener who showed no mercy, employing a vacuum! Normally, killing creatures in the garden and yard goes against everything I believe in but… this is war.

What Do You Do When You Find a Spotted Lanternfly?

Squish the Bugs

Many kids will tell you that the best way to destroy an unwanted insect is to squish it. The kids are right about this method! Experts are recommending a practice of “If you see it, squish it,” according to a recent news report.

One savvy student has figured out the perfect squish to successfully eliminate the lanternfly pests. This New Jersey teen started investigating the pests under a microscope given to her by the school’s science department. She concluded that the most effective way to kill these pests is to tackle them head-on and avoid contact with the wings.

Spray with Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural insect repellent that works without damaging plants and growth in the garden. Fill a clean spray bottle with a solution of vinegar and get ready to squirt in combat. White vinegar in a spray bottle will kill lanternflies almost instantly. You can also use neem oil to eliminate these bugs on contact.

Capture in a Bottle

Create a trap with an empty plastic water bottle to capture the lanternflies. Hold the bottle over the lanternflies and they will find their way into the empty bottle. When you have a group of them trapped, place the bottle in the freezer to kill them.

Use a Shop Vac

Some people are reporting success with a shop vac and liquid soap. You can rent a machine if you don’t own one and use it to vacuum your deck, patio and garden. The liquid soap and water in the reservoir of the vacuum will help trap the lanternflies and kill them. Be sure to place the dead bugs in a sealed plastic bag for disposal.

Scrape Away the Eggs

Killing the eggs means getting rid of the future source of problems. This is a really important part of the battle! As fall approaches, be on the watch for spotted lanternfly egg masses. They resemble brown patches that appear on outdoor surfaces like trees, fence posts, railings, garden walls and rocks.

If you spot egg masses, you can use a credit card to scrape them into a zip-close bag with a bit of rubbing alcohol. This will kill the bugs on contact. You can also use hand sanitizer or bleach. Unfortunately, when you find a tree covered in bugs there are most likely others nearby in the area under attack. Stay vigilant!

Here’s how to get rid of other nasty garden insects.

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Turns out, an empty wine bottle can be made into the perfect slow-drip irrigation system to water your houseplants and container gardens. It’s easy and it’ll help to keep your plants hydrated and happy while you’re gone.

Psst: If you travel often, these nearly invincible houseplants may be what you need.

Using a Wine Bottle to Water Plants

Dominique Charles, the founder of Plots and Plans, recently stopped by the Today show and shared her garden tips for keeping your plants watered with an empty wine bottle.

She says that plants need a slow and steady water source when you’re away. Just one heavy watering before you head out doesn’t do the plant any good, as it just floods the pot and then the soil quickly dries out. Instead, make a DIY wine bottle waterer when you leave for a weekend or mid-week getaway.

This wine bottle hack will provide a water supply for several days that will be slowly absorbed into the soil. Here’s what you have to do:

• Rinse out an empty wine bottle and fill it with clean water
• Quickly turn the bottle over and insert the mouth of the bottle into the soil.
• Give the bottle a second or two to level out and make sure it will stay upright in the soil.

How Does This Work?

The weight distribution of the water in the inverted bottle means the water won’t rush into the soil all at once. Instead, it will slowly trickle out over the next few days. This will let the wine bottle function as an irrigation drip system for the plant. The plant will have a chance to absorb the water at an even pace and have it work its way through the soil to the roots.

This wine bottle waterer will keep your plants evenly hydrated for several days while you’re gone. If you want to return to beautiful blooms, put this plan in place before you pack your bags. Your plants will thank you!

The post How to Use Wine Bottles to Water Plants While You’re on Vacation appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Succulents are considered low-maintenance: they’re fairly drought-tolerant, and with the right care they will reward you with pleasing displays of foliage and blooms. Our easy guide teaches you how to take care of succulents, no matter how experienced a gardener you are.

How Often Do You Water Succulents?

When it comes to the amount of water succulents need, the answer can sound both obvious and vague: not too little but not too much. So how do you find that perfect balance?

Your watering schedule should be guided by the seasons. Generally speaking, you should water succulents thoroughly once a week during warm and hot weather. During spring and fall, reduce frequency to twice a month, and then once a month in winter. For outdoor plants, keep rainfall in mind, and skip watering on wet weeks.

When you water, give succulents a thorough soaking. Succulents aren’t fans of small sips! Water until the soil is evenly saturated, whether you use a watering can, hose or sprinkler. For succulents in containers, water from the top and continue until water flows from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Empty the tray to prevent soggy soil soaking the roots.

If you’re in doubt, let the soil guide you. Poke the soil with your finger. Does it feel grainy and dry? It’s ready to water. Is it more like a damp sponge? Wait a while.

The leaves can also tell you if the plant is thirsty. Succulents store their water supply in their stems and leaves, so if the leaves are looking withered or shriveled, that is a good indication your plant is in need of water.

How Much Light Do Succulents Need?

Make sure your succulents get about six hours of sunlight a day. When planting a succulent in the garden, choose a location that will provide sufficient light, but avoid spots where the plant will get too much intense sun exposure, as the leaves will become scorched. Plants need sun protection too! If your garden is very sunny, plant succulents near a source of shade to give them a break.

Want to make sure your plant will thrive? Select a spot in the garden for a new succulent, and leave it in the pot for a week or two. Notice how much light the plant gets, and how it responds to the location. You can easily move the pot to find the best location before planting in the garden.

Make sure to avoid these succulent garden mistakes.

Do Succulents Need Fertilizer?

Succulents don’t require rigorous fertilization, but they can use a little boost now and then. Potted plants can especially benefit, as their soil will get depleted over time. Only use fertilizer during periods of growth (generally in the spring through early summer). Go gently! Dilute commercial fertilizer with water (follow the package directions) for a light feed that won’t burn the plants. (You can propagate succulents during the growing season, too!)

What Container Should I Plant Succulents In?

No matter how plain or stylish your succulent pot, it should have drainage openings to allow extra water to flow from the pot. Terracotta pots are a great choice for succulents since they help with even moisture retention and evaporation.

For in-ground plants, be sure to give the roots the best drainage possible. Excess moisture in the soil can lead to an unhappy plant and root rot.

For all succulents, plant in coarse soil that will drain quickly. Not all garden soil is created equal.

How to Transplant Succulents

No gardener wants to leave a plant that isn’t doing well in a spot in the garden or container out on the patio. Sometimes a changed location or a fresh batch of soil can do wonders to revive a fading plant. You may also want to transplant a succulent that’s outgrown its pot.

Dig the succulent out of the garden soil, or carefully tip it from its container. Gently tap to remove any excess soil around the roots. Cut off any brown or black roots that look like they have rotted. Place the plant on a mesh strainer or newspaper to give the roots a chance to air dry for two to three days.

Re-plant a garden plant directly in the ground, making sure to dig a deep enough hole to set the roots in without crushing them. Lightly tap the soil over the plant.

For a potted plant, re-pot into a container that’s only one size larger than the former pot, or you may shock the plant. Fill the bottom of the pot with fresh soil, set the plant inside and pour soil to fill the pot.

With the right care, your succulents will be a beautiful addition to your healthy garden. They may even attract pollinators!

The post How to Take Care of Succulents, Inside or Outdoors appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Does your hydrangea have large green leaves but no flowers? Maybe that climbing variety has been making strides in height but hasn’t bloomed yet. This can be frustrating for a gardener of any skill level. Here are a few ways to help your hydrangeas with blooming so they can look their best this growing season.

When Do Hydrangeas Start Blooming?

It depends on the variety you have planted. As a general rule, most types of hydrangeas will bloom and produce flowers from mid-spring through late summer or early fall. There are some “everlasting” hydrangeas that will produce blooms all summer long, which have gained popularity thanks to their extended blooming habits.

How Long Do Hydrangeas Bloom?

The flowers start to appear in spring and can last all summer long into early fall. Hydrangeas growing in hot climates may stop blooming in the heat of summer but will rebloom in the fall.

Once the hydrangea blooms turn to flowers, the mopheads or lacy varieties add color and movement to the yard and garden. The hydrangea flowers can be the foundation plant of your landscape, create borders that provide privacy and generally add long-lasting pops of color around the yard. They make showy additions to cut flower arrangements and can also be dried in vases or made into wreaths for decorations.

Why Are My Hydrangeas Not Blooming?

First, identify the hydrangea that needs help. Each kind of hydrangea has its own specific growing requirements. If you aren’t sure of the hydrangea variety, take a sample of a stem with a leaf attached to a local garden center and ask for help with identification.

Improper Pruning

Some types of hydrangeas bud and bloom on the old wood from the previous growing season while others will set buds on new wood. Learn how to prune each type of hydrangea correctly, or you can end up doing more harm than good to the plant by removing the potential for blooms.

Transplant Shock

Have you recently transplanted a hydrangea in your yard and found that a previously healthy plant isn’t looking so good? It may need some time to readjust. A plant that has been moved can sometimes suffer from transplant shock.

Young plants or recently transplanted hydrangeas may take some time to establish themselves in a new spot and not set forth new blooms right away. Instead, the plant will direct energy to producing new roots and foliage and adjusting to the new conditions.

Lack of Water

Is your hydrangea located in an area that may prevent it from getting a steady flow of water or rainfall? Hydrangeas like to stay hydrated and need the surrounding soil to be evenly watered to support blooming. Make any necessary adjustments to water manually where necessary.

Lack of Sun

A hydrangea with no blooms may not be getting enough sun. Check the surrounding landscape and see if there are branches or growth from other plants that are blocking the sun from getting to the hydrangea. Most varieties of hydrangeas will do well in partial shade but a significant lack of sun can be a problem. Decide if other plantings can be cut back to allow more sun to reach the hydrangea.

How to Get Hydrangeas to Start Blooming

It is frustrating to have a plant with an abundance of lush green leaves but no blooms. The good news is that the hydrangea is otherwise healthy and it simply needs an adjustment to get the blooms to start to appear.

• Is your hydrangea being watered correctly? These plants need to be in soil that is hydrated with water. You may notice that a hydrangea in need of water on a scorching hot day will look withered and a soak from a hose can make a world of difference. Evaluate where the hydrangea is located and what the natural watering conditions allow from rainfall and what you can provide with a water source.
• Take a look at what kind of fertilizer you’re using. If the fertilizer you have applied has a high nitrogen content, the hydrangea will set forth foliage but probably no flowers. Switch to a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to help promote blooming. This type of plant food can be found labeled as a “bloom booster.” Apply in the early spring and again in mid-summer for best results.
• Have you checked your soil’s acid levels? A mismatch of soil acid levels with the plant you’re growing is a common gardening problem. Hydrangeas do best in soil with an acidic pH. Your local garden center sells soil products marked specifically for acid-loving plants and could help your hydrangea start blooming again. The pH of your soil can also change the color of your hydrangeas.

Products for Growing Hydrangeas

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When to Repot Plants

Plant health is the primary reason to give your greenery new homes. Plants that outgrow their pots need to upsize in order to grow and thrive. Some signs start at the top. Are stems and leaves sagging? Is the soil compacted? Does water run straight to the drainage holes without being absorbed? Conversely, does water sit in a soggy pool, risking root rot? Understanding when to water and how often is the key to keeping plants happy, but older soil may be nutrient- and drainage-insufficient.

Checking the base of the plant can help too. Roots show just how healthy or crowded that plant might be. If you see roots swirling around the inside of the pot or emerging through drainage holes, they need more space.

How to Repot a Plant the Right Way

Collect everything you’ll need before tackling a repotting project. It’s easier than stopping midway, especially if finding that new container or potting mix requires a trip to the garden center.

Things You’ll Need

• New pot: Find a container that’s larger than your current pot. Look for options that are at least 1 to 2 inches wider and taller. There are adorable indoor planters to match every style. Look for pots with drainage holes. Without proper drainage, your plants are prone to root rot.
• Potting mix: Pick a planting medium meant for indoor plants. Indoor potting mix is designed for the correct porousness as well as moisture retention. Ingredients like mulch and perlite are super helpful. There are also specialized formulas for some plants including potting mix for tropical plants.
• Watering can: Adding water from a can is not essential, but is often easier. The spout allows for slower pouring with correct pressure. Look for a can that matches your indoor garden needs (and style!). Plant parents of singletons can work with something smaller. A recycled beverage jug can work too.
• Gloves: Protect your hands with garden gloves. Even nitrile gloves can work—unlike outdoor weeding and pruning, indoor repotting is a gentle art.
• Clippers: A clean cutting tool like shears or scissors will help remove any rotten roots if necessary.

Directions

Some plants are easier to repot than others. For small containers, a kitchen table or countertop would be ideal. Large plants are easier to repot outside, weather permitting. Ideally, plan for repotting in spring or summer as longer, sunnier days can lead to heavier growth.

Step 1: Set the stage

Line up all of your equipment including something to protect the table from debris. Newspaper or an old bath towel will work just fine.

Step 2: Prep the new container

Place a screen or stones above the drainage hole to guard against soil compaction and allow water to flow. Add an inch or so of new potting mix. Place the plant in its original container inside the new pot for a height check; a half-inch below the lip of the vase would be ideal. Remember, it may sink a little after watering. Take the old container out of the new one.

Step 3: Remove the plant from its current container

Remove the plant from its existing container by placing one hand around the base of the plant on the soil line. While holding the plant, gently turn the pot so it can slide out of the container at a sideways or slightly downward angle. If it’s stuck due to root growth, slide a dull knife or alternative tool around the inside edges. It’s also possible to gently wiggle and slide the plant to release. Try to avoid pulling on stems and leaves. Seriously stuck plastic containers can be cut away.

Step 4: Loosen the roots

Loosening the roots will help plants adapt to their new home. First, remove any visible root damage. Try to untangle any roots that circled the inside of the old container and any tangles at the bottom. If a few break, it will be fine. Gently remove old soil around the circumference and bottom of the plant. The goal is to expose the roots to their new home and get them growing.

Step 5: Place plant in a new container

Place the plant in the larger container. Add new potting mix along the edges until it is level with the base of the plant. Only add soil on top of the surface if roots are exposed.

Step 6: Water thoroughly

Water the plant so all of the potting mix is damp and water flows through the hole at the bottom. Soil levels may sink as air pockets evaporate so add more soil and more water as necessary. Do not let pots sit in puddles of water.

Editor’s Tip: Keep a close eye on repotted plants. The larger amount of soil may dry at different rates, so adjust the watering schedule to match. Knowing your plants will be helpful too. For example, repotted and watered succulents may not need more water for weeks.

How Often to Repot Plants

Most plants can live comfortably for a year or two right where they are. Slow growers require less and some, like orchids, appreciate tight quarters. The plant health and the quality of the soil will let you know when it’s time for a change. When you do transfer your plants to larger pots, keep the smaller ones handy—you can use them to plant propagated cuttings!

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If you keep finding bugs with flat, brown or grayish bodies and prominent antennas—those are stink bugs. Not exactly what you want around your house! But don’t crush them or the bugs will release an unpleasant odor. Instead, use a DIY trick to keep stink bugs away for good.

Is your kitchen in need of pest control, too? Here’s our guide to wiping out pantry pests.

Why Are There So Many Stink Bugs in My House?

For starters, due to more mild winters, scientists fear a potential stink bug population explosion. This means more stink bugs will find a way into your home through tiny openings or cracks, then hunt out food on counters, behind baseboards and the foliage of indoor plants. The scent of one stink bug will attract another stink bug… and another… and another.

Prevention is everything when it comes to keeping stink bugs out of the house. Look for broken seals or openings around doorways, windows and vents and block any points of entry. Be aware that stink bugs can also find a way in around loose foundation cracks and near the chimney, too. Once you seal the gaps, head indoors to banish the stink bugs for good.

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs

If you swat or step on a stink bug, this insect will release a nasty odor. Instead, take matters into your hands in a less violent way.

Like other insects and animals, stink bugs are repulsed by strong smells. You’ve learned how to rid your house of flies with strong-scented soap, but for stink bugs, try cloves or essential oils.

Cloves

Sprinkle a handful of whole cloves on windowsills, around doorways and on doormats in your home. If the problem is extreme, purchase clove oil to spray around windows and doors outside. While the whole cloves will repel and prevent stink bugs, clove oil will kill them off. Keep in mind, though, that clove oil can be toxic to even beneficial insects, so consider dried cloves first and use clove oil sparingly.

Essential Oils

The use of a strong scent is a handy tool for sending stink bugs on their way. Put spearmint oil or lavender oil in a spray bottle and spritz around windows and doors to keep your home pest-free any time of the year. Spearmint oil has a strong aroma that’s pleasing to us but not appealing to the stink bugs. Lavender is also a popular choice; it can add a clean and pleasant scent to the house while keeping the stink bugs away. Lemongrass, neem and ylang-ylang oil will also work.

If you’re worried about spraying the essential oils on painted surfaces or near fabrics, douse some cotton balls with the oil and place them in discreet locations.

More Ways to Repel Stink Bugs

Don’t want to use cloves or essential oil? Not a problem. There’s more than one way to get rid of stink bugs. But first, assess how bad the insect invasion is. If needed, call a pest control professional to help evaluate your situation, and they’ll start you in the right direction. Otherwise, check out the following tips:

Properly seal your home. If the stink bug problem has made its way inside your house, identify the area of entry. Once the area, or areas, are identified, seal them up with caulk, or replace window screens as needed. Make sure to check places like doors, windows, siding and chimneys. This might need to be done with professional help.

Clear off counters. Until the stink bug problem is under control, don’t store fruit in bowls. This is an attractive snack for stink bugs. Eliminate any moisture on your counters, too.

Use other natural repellents. Though it doesn’t have a clean scent, garlic is strong enough to keep stink bugs at bay. Crush up a few cloves of fresh garlic and leave them in a tray on your windowsill.

Consider using food-grade diatomaceous earth. Farmers’ Almanac suggests sprinkling a trail of diatomaceous earth across windowsills and entry points. The substance is essentially the fossilized remains of phytoplankton in the form of a white, chalky powder, and it’s a strong bug killer. This will kill any bug with an exoskeleton, so if you want to keep beneficial insects around, opt for a different strategy. And make sure to purchase the food-grade stuff so it’s considered non-toxic for humans and pets.

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Can I Use Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer?

Yep, coffee grounds can be used as a fertilizer—but you don’t want to flood your plants with too much at once and throw off the natural balance of nutrients.

TikTok user Armen Adamjan (aka @creative_explained) explains that you can use coffee grounds (along with cinnamon and club soda) to make a fertilizer for your favorite houseplants. What’s in this plant food? A boost of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen.

@creative_explained Coffee + Cinnamon + Club Soda = Magic🤩🌱 #gardening #plants #planttips #homemade #recipe #plantsoftiktok #learnontiktok #lifehack #diy #recycle #tips ♬ original sound – Armen Adamjan

The used coffee grounds add organic material to the soil. Cinnamon can act as a natural insect repellent for indoor and outdoor plants, plus promote root growth and overall plant health. And club soda contains macronutrients like carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, potassium sulfur and sodium. These are all helpful with getting your plants to look their best.

See what other pantry ingredients will help your garden grow.

How to Use Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer

Here’s the recipe:

• 4-6 tablespoons used coffee grounds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup club soda

Mix the ingredients until combined.

The TikTok user explains this combination of ingredients will make a plant food for you to use once every two weeks. According to his explanation your plants will be so much happier and return the favor with beautiful results.

It’s important to remember to use spent coffee grounds for this plant food and a schedule of feeding every other week. This is a fertilizer to give your plants on a bi-weekly schedule to spread out the distribution of nutrients for your plants. Your plants will thank you for with a display of lush leaves and showings of colorful blooms!

To keep the rabbits away, make a hot pepper spray for your plants.

What Plants Can I Use Coffee Grounds On?

Most of your plants will get a more balanced pick-me-up from the used coffee grounds that are less acidic once they have been through the brewing process. The solution of leftover coffee grounds mixed with club soda and a bit of cinnamon used on a bi-weekly watering schedule will provide a slow feeding supplement for indoor and outdoor plants.

Many acid-loving plants like your hydrangeas, azalea bushes and rhododendrons might enjoy a light sprinkle of coffee grounds at their base. Blueberry bushes and carrots like the boost of additional nutrients too.

My potted plants and garden growers have shown good results with this plant food mixture. And using the coffee grounds again helps mean less waste in the kitchen. That’s a coffee break that works for everyone!

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What Is Figgy Pudding?

In its most basic form, figgy pudding is a steamed, domed-shaped cake baked in a water bath in the oven. It’s made with alcohol and dried fruit and is a traditional English dessert. It’s more like a cake than what Americans think of as a soft, custard-like pudding.

Figgy pudding is also known as Christmas pudding or plum pudding. It can also be affectionately called “pud.”

What Is Figgy Pudding Made Of?

The flavors can include figs, plums, raisins, currants, oranges, cherries, cranberries, citrus zest and juice, along with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and allspice. The result is a dessert similar to what we know as a holiday fruitcake.

Why Is It Called Figgy Pudding?

The ‘pudding’ part of the name makes it a dessert in Britain, but not the custardy type of dish most Americans would associate with the word. At some point the dish included figs, lending itself to the term of ‘figgy’ as part of a Christmas pudding recipe.

Why Do People Sing About Figgy Pudding?

For starters, it is a symbolic Christmas dessert. It was originally made with 13 ingredients which represented Christ and the 12 apostles. It was finished with a sprig of holly on top as a symbol of the crown of thorns.

As for the figgy pudding song, near the end of the 16th century, carolers began to sing the English folk song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” When poor folks stood on the doorsteps of the wealthy and sang, “Oh bring us some figgy pudding,” and “we won’t go until we get some,” they probably were having a bit of fun, requesting a helping of this rich Christmas dessert.

How to Make Figgy Pudding

In years past, preparations for the perfect pudding began around five weeks before Christmas. Twice-boiled in a pudding cloth, it was then aged—time-consuming and labor-intensive, but worth the effort.

Now, the dessert is steamed for a few hours as it bakes in the oven in a water bath. Christmas puddings are loaded with alcohol to draw out and intensify the flavor, most often rum or brandy. The kitchen will be filled with a mix of fragrant spices and spirits as it bakes!

If you’re looking for a store-bought figgy pudding, this Spam figgy pudding option might be your next favorite product.

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